Marquise McNeil, Adian Little, David Lockhart, Devin Smith,
At Frederick Douglass Academy for Young Men (FDA), leadership starts from within—and the Youth Ambassadors program is one of the school’s most powerful incubators of growth, mentorship, and transformation. Located at 9026 Woodward Ave. in Detroit, FDA serves 9th–12th grade students with a bold mission to nurture empowerment, academic excellence, and character development. The school’s unique offerings include the GIS Pathways certification program, a vibrant STEM Club, and championship-level athletic teams in basketball, football, and track & field. But perhaps most impressive is the way young men are being shaped through intentional leadership development.
On April 3rd, I had the honor of interviewing four outstanding student leaders—Marquise McNeil, David Lockhart, Devin Smith, and Adian Little—who opened up about what it means to serve, lead, and evolve as a Youth Ambassador. These young men aren’t just participating in a program—they’re becoming role models, mentors, and agents of change. Their stories reveal what happens when students are empowered with purpose, trusted with responsibility, and surrounded by a school community that believes in them.
When asked what being a Youth Ambassador means, the answers came from a place of lived wisdom. Marquise spoke about “preparing the younger generation,” giving underclassmen the confidence to carry themselves and navigate life. David described the role as one built on trust—“being your mentor’s right-hand man.” Devin emphasized the need to be present when it matters: “When students need help, we help them. When teachers need support, we show up.” Adian added that consistency and maturity are key to being someone others can look up to. Their words make it clear: the Youth Ambassador title isn’t just a label—it’s a lived responsibility rooted in service, professionalism, and pride.
This growth is deeply personal. Each student described how they entered the program with uncertainty—quiet, hesitant, or just trying to stay under the radar. Through opportunities like public speaking, event hosting, community cleanups, and leadership projects with partners such as SEMCOG and the Department of Security, they found their voice. Marquise, once soft-spoken, now owns the room in a full suit at conferences. David, once shy, now confidently recruits peers and captains the robotics team. Devin, inspired by older ambassadors, is now planning Earth Day events and leading tours. Adian, who transferred from a larger school, discovered a sense of purpose and is now training to become a firefighter. Their journeys prove that leadership comes in many forms.
What truly distinguishes this program is the deep mentorship provided by Mr. Chad Segrist, their teacher and program advisor. Described as both a mentor and a friend, Mr. Segrist gives these young men real-world opportunities and supports them every step of the way—from resume writing and mock interviews to internship placements and even introducing them to Detroit’s mayor. Adian put it best: “He doesn’t just give you a project—he works through it with you.” The students credit his consistency and belief in their potential as one of the biggest reasons they’ve grown into the leaders they are today.
Their transformation hasn’t gone unnoticed at home either. Each student shared how their families have celebrated their growth. Marquise’s mother never hesitates to drive him to events, knowing her son is doing something meaningful. Devin’s mom recently watched him speak in public for the first time—an emotional milestone in their journey. Despite working midnights, David’s mom finds time to get him to every opportunity, while Adian’s parents, amazed to hear he had spoken in public, expressed immense pride. These stories reflect the beautiful ripple effect leadership has on family, identity, and future possibilities.
As ambassadors, these young men now carry the torch for the next generation. They organize events, represent their school in the community, earn drone licenses, guide their peers, and embody what it means to lead by example. Whether it’s giving a tour to new students or showing up early to prep for a service day, they do it not for credit—but because they care. Their brotherhood is one of support, growth, accountability, and real love. “We get mad at each other,” Adian shared, “but at the end of the day, we’re in this together.”
This is more than a student program—it’s a launching pad for Detroit’s next generation of leaders. At Frederick Douglass Academy for Young Men, the Youth Ambassadors are proof of what’s possible when youth voice is nurtured, when mentors show up, and when students are trusted to lead. As they prepare to graduate and move into careers in finance, GIS mapping, business, real estate, and public service, Marquise, David, Devin, and Adian are charting paths that inspire not only their school—but the city.
To read the entirety of our interview please check out the pdf: